Scoring Methodology
Our facility scoring system evaluates treatment centers across multiple dimensions of quality that research associates with better patient outcomes. Scores are based on publicly available, verifiable data — not self-reported claims from the facilities themselves.
We do not accept payment in exchange for higher scores. Our scoring methodology is designed to be transparent, reproducible, and free from commercial influence. Facilities cannot pay to improve their score or suppress unfavorable information.
Quality Indicators We Evaluate
Our evaluation considers several key quality indicators: state licensing status and compliance history from DHCS records, national accreditation from the Joint Commission or CARF International, types of evidence-based treatments offered, staff qualifications and clinical credentials, range of accepted insurance plans, and availability of medication-assisted treatment.
We also consider whether the facility offers individualized treatment planning, dual-diagnosis capabilities for co-occurring mental health disorders, aftercare and discharge planning services, and family involvement programming. Facilities that offer a more comprehensive clinical program receive higher scores.
Data Sources
Our scoring data comes from official, publicly available sources including the California DHCS licensing database, Joint Commission accreditation records, CARF International accreditation records, SAMHSA's National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facilities, and publicly available compliance and inspection reports.
We do not use patient reviews or testimonials as scoring inputs, as these can be easily manipulated. Instead, we focus on objective, verifiable quality indicators that have been shown to correlate with treatment effectiveness. We update our data regularly and investigate any changes in a facility's licensing or accreditation status.